Ark. Code Ann. § 17-81-102 (2026)

As used in this chapter:

1. “Analysis” includes physical examination, the use of X-ray and other analytical instruments, and procedures generally used in the practice of chiropractic;
2. “Board” means the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners;
3. “Chiropractic” means that science and art which utilizes the inherent recuperative powers of the body and deals with the relationship between the nervous system and the spinal column, including its immediate articulations, and the role of its relationship in the restoration and maintenance of health;
4. “Chiropractic aide” means an unlicensed member of the chiropractic team who may assist a chiropractic physician in the performance of those procedures and techniques constituting the practice of chiropractic as defined in this chapter with the exception of spinal manipulation and adjustment, provided that such assistance shall be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed chiropractic physician;
5. “Physician” means a person authorized or licensed to practice medicine pursuant to the Arkansas Medical Practices Act, § 17-95-201 et seq., § 17-95-301 et seq., and § 17-95-401 et seq., a person authorized or licensed to practice chiropractic pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, and a person authorized to practice osteopathy pursuant to § 17-91-101 et seq.;
6. 1. “Practice of chiropractic” means the engagement in the diagnosis and analysis of any interference with normal nerve transmission and expression, and the procedure preparatory to and complementary to the correction thereof by an adjustment of the articulations of the vertebral column, its immediate articulations, including spinal adjustments, spinal manipulations, and spinal mobilizations, such as any type of pressure, force, thrust, or passive movement, singular or plural, applied to the spinal vertebrae or their adjacent articulations by hand or mechanical device or by other incidental adjustments, for the restoration and maintenance of health. The practice of chiropractic includes therapy, the normal regimen, and rehabilitation of the patient for the purpose of removing any injury, deformity, or abnormality of human beings without the use of drugs or surgery.
   2. The practice of chiropractic, as authorized under the provisions of this chapter, shall not include the performance of the duties of a midwife or obstetrician, therapy by the use of ionizing radiation, incisive surgery, prescribing for or administering to any person any drug to be taken internally, or puncturing the skin for the purpose of introducing any substance into the body. Nothing herein shall prevent puncturing the skin for routine blood analysis, including red blood count, white blood count, differential and serology, in the practice of chiropractic for diagnostic purposes; and
7. “Spinal manipulation” and “adjustment” mean the skillful or dexterous treatment whereby a corrective force or passive movement of the joint is made to realign vertebrae or articulations to their normal juxtaposition.

History. Acts 1971, No. 706, §§ 3, 17; 1975, No. 612, § 1; 1981, No. 568, § 1; 1983, No. 148, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 72-417, 72-431, 72-434; Acts 1987, No. 354, § 1; 1999, No. 1553, § 1.